IPART decision on Special Rate Variation

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Council’s application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 2.35% in 2023–24.

Combined with the 4.0% pegged rate rise already approved, this would allow general rates to be increased to 6.35% for the next financial year, pending Councillor approval of the decision.

Councillors will consider the implications of the IPART determination and assess whether to proceed with the SRV at the upcoming Council meeting on Thursday 22 June.

Tweed Shire Council was one of 17 councils across NSW that applied for an SRV ahead of the next financial year, with the Tweed’s requested rate rise significantly lower than the rest.

Tweed was one of the few NSW councils in 2022 that did not apply for an SRV, with 86 councils granted the additional rate rise by IPART.

As part of this process, IPART is required to assess special variation applications against criteria set by the Office of Local Government. These criteria require councils to demonstrate the need for the additional revenue, provide evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of a rate rise, exhibit relevant planning documents, explain council’s productivity and cost containment actions and plans, and establish that the impact on affected ratepayers is reasonable.

Council is seeking to raise an additional $1.6 million through the SRV to cover the costs of additional cyber security, an essential IT upgrade, additional planning staff, insurances and to cover the cost of the removal of the Environmental Enforcement Levy.

IPART’s approval followed an extensive engagement campaign with residents, explaining Council’s need for additional funding and the options facing Council – including a reduction in services – without this additional funding.

Council would like to thank the community for their feedback.

Overall, the Proposed SRV Your Say Tweed page attracted more than 2,600 visits, resulting in 452 online survey responses in addition to letters and emails received.

During its meeting this week, Council will review the survey responses, written responses and feedback taken through face-to-face consultations.

Go to yoursaytweed.com.au/srv to find out more.

More shade planted for the Tweed

Last month, Council planted more than 70 native trees in streets around Tweed Heads South especially along pedestrian routes to nearby schools, providing more shade for walks and a beautiful outlook.

The tree planting project is part of the Cool Towns Urban Forest Program, which aims to provide better shade and cooling in settings where concrete, bitumen and built structures absorb and reflect heat.

Council’s goal is to increase total canopy coverage in urban areas to 35% by 2030 and then to 40% by 2040.

Trees in urban areas have been shown to:

• reduce the demand for heating and cooling by as much as 15%

• increase property values between 5 to 30%

• promote walking, cycling and outdoor activities

• contribute to cooling and reduce heat-related illnesses. Communities and residents play an important role in caring for and protecting trees for future generations of Tweed residents.

Go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/more-trees-more-shade-tweed to find out more.